Merkel Faces Struggle on Coalition Talks Even After Her Victory
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Chancellor Angela Merkel will confront a stiffening challenge to form a government this week even after her record election victory as prospective coalition partners raise demands to open official talks.
With the leadership of Germany’s Greens party already casting doubt on negotiations with Merkel’s Christian Democratic-led bloc, the Social Democrats are hardening in their demand for a nationwide minimum wage of 8.50 euros ($11.51) an hour. Merkel’s faction will hold a second round of exploratory talks with the SPD today in Berlin and with the environmental Greens tomorrow.